Philippines – Page 58 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Five Suspects Arrested and Illegal Drugs Worth Over P3 Million Seized in Parañaque City

August 29, 2025August 20, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers arrested five people and seized more than P3 million worth of illegal drugs as a result of a successful buy-bust operation, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…

Five suspects, including two high-value individuals (HVIs), were arrested in anti-drug operations in Parañaque City early Tuesday, with authorities confiscating PHP3.2 million worth of suspected illegal drugs.

In a statement, Southern Police District (SPD) acting director Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo said alias Christian, 28, and Symon, 29, both HVIs; along with Renmer, 26, Jackylyn, 21, and Christine, 26, all classified as street-level individuals (SLI), were arrested during a buy-bust operation inside a condominium unit at Pacific Coast Plaza in Barangay Tambo around 5:10 a.m.

Arceo said SPD operatives seized from the suspects 200 grams of suspected ketamine valued at PHP1.1 million; 1,000 grams of suspected marijuana kush worth PHP700,000; 500 grams of suspected dried marijuana leaves valued at PHP60,000; and 791 pieces of suspected ecstasy tablets with an estimated worth of PHP1.34 million, for a total street value of PHP3.20 million.

Also recovered were the PHP2,000 buy-bust money, a weighing scale, a storage box, and a cellular phone believed to have been used in the drug trade.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin Aberin underscored the determination of the police force to combat the proliferation of illegal drugs.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that illegal drugs could be flowing into your local community? Do you think crime involving illegal drugs have been worsening in Parañaque?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Philippines Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Sector and Government React To Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025

August 28, 2025August 27, 2025carlocarrasco

It is not surprising that both the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector of the Philippines and the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) reacted to the filing of the Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025 which was filed in the United States Senate, as reported separately by BusinessWorld, BusinessMirror and the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

For the newcomers reading this, the Philippines BPO sector (sometimes referred to simply as the call center industry even though many local firms have gone beyond taking calls) is now a major part of the national economy with more than 1.7 million Filipinos employed, $35 billion in annual export revenues and the United States of America (USA) alone is the single largest market with 2024 export revenues reported at $25 billion (reported by BusinessMirror).

In the Filipino perspective, call centers are very important because they offer a lot of high-paying jobs for Filipinos who badly need employment. The so-called call center effect on local society and economics includes new stores and food vendors opening up nearby, the opening of new convenience stores operating 24/7, the established restaurants nearby serving customers around-the-clock, and the opening of new branches of banks. Of course, the income Filipinos earned from their BPO jobs enabled them to acquire new things, pay their bills, subscribed to digital services, and move into better residences while helping their families make ends meet.

Having been a call center agent myself a very long time ago, I have witnessed such socio-economic developments happen whenever a call center is present and I was in Cebu province.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA highlighting the reaction of the DTI. Some parts in boldface…

Diversification will help cushion the possible impact of the proposed “Keep Call Centers in America Act,” aimed to protect local jobs by removing federal grants to companies that have call centers outside the United States.

The business process outsourcing (BPO) industry contributes a big part to the Philippine economy, with employment of around 1.4 million in 2024 and revenues of about USD38 billion. Around 70 percent of clients are based in the US.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque said there are no discussions yet with officials of the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) but expressed openness to talk about possible measures to help the sector.

“But for us, (the) DTI, of course, we’ll continue to help the IT-BPO (and) IBPAP businesses in whatever they need from us. Of course, we’ll assist the same way we’ve assisted in the past,” she said.

“We can’t just look at the US as the only market. The world is the market. If you look at their population as compared to the world, it will show you that we should really find other avenues to explore.”

Next, the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) confirmed it is still evaluating the potential impact of the Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025. For insight, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld report. Some parts in boldface…

THE IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) said it is still evaluating the potential impact of the proposed Keep Call Centers in America act.

“It talks about US call centers so I really do not know who that will affect with the way that it is worded,” IBPAP President and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan R. Madrid said on the sidelines of an ECCP AI Forum.

“We need to understand it a little bit more. I think I know what their intention is. But I don’t know the likelihood of this passing. Obviously it is something we are monitoring, and with the way that it is worded, we need to study it more,” he added.

Introduced in the US Senate last month, the bill aims to impose restrictions on US firms outsourcing their call center operations.

In particular, the bill, if signed into law, will render employers outsource call center work overseas ineligible for new federal grants or guaranteed loans.

“I am speaking to the American Chamber of Commerce; we are discussing it and we will see. But we are all aligned on how we will manage this,” he said.

“While the bill is still in the early stages of the legislative process, we remain committed to keeping our stakeholders informed, providing timely guidance, and ensuring that the Philippine IT-BPM industry is well-positioned to adapt and thrive in a changing regulatory environment,” he said.

Philippine Institute for Development Studies Senior Research Fellow John Paolo R. Rivera said that the proposed bill poses a “clear risk to the Philippine IT-BPM industry, especially in the call center segment.”

“By restricting access to US federal grants, contracts, and loans for companies that offshore customer service jobs or do not properly disclose them, the bill raises the regulatory and reputational costs for offshore operations,” he said via Viber .

He said the Philippine industry has been evolving beyond voice-based call centers, which are less exposed to call center-specific legislation.

“We now see strong growth in high-value services such as finance, healthcare information management, legal process outsourcing, software development, and data analytics,” he said.

With the US Senate’s proposal to bring back call centers to the US, he said that the Philippines must continue to move up the value chain to reduce exposure to such policies.

“While the bill underscores vulnerabilities in our call center export model, it also reinforces the importance of accelerating investment in high-value, tech-enabled services where the Philippines can maintain global competitiveness,” he added.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the bill could be “a potential drag on future growth of the industry.”

For this year, the IT-BPM industry is expected to generate $40 billion in export revenue and increase its workforce to 1.9 million.

To examine the details of the Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025, click here and here.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to the recent developments? Do you think the IT-BPM sector of the Philippines has what it takes to protect itself from whatever effects the Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025 could create if ever it gets signed into law? Do you personally know anyone who is working in a BPO firm or a call center here in the Philippines? What kind of assistance do you think the national government will offer to the IT-BPM sector? Do you think the existing call centers should search for English-speaking clients in England, Ireland, Scotland, Israel and the like?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Street Sweepers Get Free Medical Checkup in Las Piñas City

August 28, 2025August 21, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government conducted the screening and health checkup for street sweepers in order to keep them capable of doing their jobs, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Mayor April Aguilar was present during the activity.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

The city government of Las Piñas conducted screening and an annual checkup for members of Kaagapay street sweepers to keep them healthy while maintaining cleanliness and order around the city.

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar said the annual checkup for the street sweepers is part of the city government’s commitment to give them better health care, especially the elderly and those with limited access to medical services.

Aguilar was present during the medical checkup and was joined by City Environment and Natural Resource Office (CENRO) head Engr. Cesar Perillo and City Health Office (CHO) head Dr. Julie Gonzalez.

She said Kaagapay members were given free medical consultations, laboratory tests, and dental check-ups to help them save on health expenses and provide them with timely medical advice.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you glad the City Government is helping the local street sweepers with health-related assistance?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Philippines Department of Tourism Condemns Fatal Shooting of Two Japanese Nationals

August 27, 2025August 19, 2025carlocarrasco

As the Philippines continues to experience difficulty attracting foreign tourists, a tragedy struck two Japanese nationals in the City of Manila which led to the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) condemnation of the fatal shooting committed by motorcycle-riding assailants, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

For the newcomers reading this, Japan accounted for 444,528 visitors in the Philippines for the year 2024 which was a huge growth over the 2023 numbers.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday strongly condemned the fatal shooting of two Japanese nationals in Manila.

In a statement, the agency extended its sympathies to the families and called on law enforcement agencies to conduct a “swift and thorough” investigation into the incident.

“Tourism, a vital pillar of livelihood for millions of Filipinos, heavily depends on creating and maintaining conditions of peace, safety, and security,” the statement read.

“We note with deep concern that recent events have already prompted advisories from foreign embassies in the country’s top visitor source markets, which could adversely affect tourist confidence and the Philippines’ image as a safe and welcoming destination,” it added.

The DOT is working with relevant agencies, including local governments and stakeholders, to reinforce security measures for visiting foreigners.

“[T]he Department also continues to coordinate with its Regional Offices, local government units, and tourism stakeholders to reinforce protective measures, reassure foreign and domestic visitors, and safeguard the tourism industry that sustains so many Filipino families,” it said.

The two Japanese were shot by motorcycle-riding assailants while exiting a taxi along Malvar Street in Manila on Aug. 15.

The Manila Police District on Monday said one suspect has been taken into custody while another person of interest has been identified in connection with the robbery with homicide.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the fatal shooting of the two Japanese nationals in Manila is already heavily damaging the Philippines’ standing as a tourist destination? Do you think that people in Japan are already turned off by the tragedy of August 15?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Handheld Radio Units Turned Over to Las Piñas City Barangays

August 26, 2025August 16, 2025carlocarrasco

In preparation for emergency situations, the City Government of Las Piñas – specifically their Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) – released handheld one hundred radio units to all twenty barangays, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The turnover of the units was done at City Hall in the presence of Mayor April Aguilar and Vice Mayor Imelda Aguilar.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

The Las Piñas Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) has distributed a total of 100 handheld radios to the city’s 20 barangays to enable faster communication during emergencies.

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar led the turnover ceremony, during which each barangay received five units of the communication equipment.

Aguilar said the distribution of handheld radios is part of the DRRMO’s initiative to enhance communication and ensure swift response during emergency situations.

She added that the equipment will help each barangay strengthen its preparedness and improve rapid response to disasters, accidents, and other incidents requiring immediate action.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the City Government is doing enough to prepare local child development centers for emergency situations?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Parañaque Online Scam Hub Raided By CIDG, 14 Suspects Apprehended

August 26, 2025August 17, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) successfully raided an online scam hub, seized several pieces of equipment and arrested fourteen suspects, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested 14 people, including a female foreigner, following a raid in an online scam hub in Parañaque City.

CIDG director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said the operation also resulted in the rescue of a minor who was hired as one of the scammers in what he called ” online task job scam”.

“This underscores our unyielding fight against trafficking in persons, child abuse, and cybercrimes. With this, we significantly prevented future ‘online task job scam’ from happening,” he said.

Abrahano explained that the modus of the syndicate is to operate through the online messaging application “Telegram” where the suspects/scammers send links to their intended victims. Each suspect, he said, is assigned to 600 Telegram accounts to contact potential victims.

The CIDG chief said that once the link is accessed, the victims are directed to a so-called “task job,” which assigns simple online tasks such as liking the pages of hotel packages. After the completion of these tasks, the victims are instructed to open a Binance account – cryptocurrency account.

After creating the account, Abrahano said the scammers would require the victims to deposit funds into it. The victims are subsequently directed to transfer the deposited funds into a Binance account allegedly managed by the arrested Chinese manager.

“The scammers/suspects will lure victims that the transferred money will generate profit or accrue interest, promising continuous growth of the investment,” said Abrahano.

This misrepresentation forms the basis of the fraudulent scheme, ultimately leading to financial loss on the part of the victims,” he added.

During the raid in Barangay Tambo, CIDG operatives seized 70 desktop computers, cellular phones, computer peripherals, vault, dormitory pass IDs, and passports. They also discovered cryptocurrency account numbers.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think there could still be a lot more online scam hubs operating secretly within the city? Do you think scamming in Parañaque will only get worse in the next six months?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Five Chinese Nationals and Two Local Cohorts Apprehended By CIDG in Parañaque City Over Selling Unregistered Beer and Luncheon Meat

August 25, 2025August 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, five Chinese nationals and two local cohorts were arrested by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for selling beer and luncheon meat that were not registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested five Chinese and their two alleged Filipino cohorts for selling beers and luncheon meat that are believed to be smuggled.

CIDG director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said the bottles of beer and the cans of luncheon meat they seized during the operation in Barangay Marcelo in Parañaque City were not registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This is the reason, he said, why the five Chinese and two Filipinos were collared and now facing criminal charges.

He said the operation stemmed from reports about the proliferation of food and beverage products that were smuggled into the country and being sold without the approval of the FDA.

Armed with a search warrant, CIDG operatives swooped down on a warehouse in Parañaque City and seized 500 cases of “Snow” beer in cans, and 300 boxes of “Meining” pork luncheon meat. The seized products are estimated to be worth P1.1 million.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you considered that Chinese criminals staying in the city are somehow smuggling products around? Could you tell if the products offered to you were smuggled? Is smuggling only to get worse in Parañaque over the next six months?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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First Aid Kits Distributed to Las Piñas City Child Development Centers

August 24, 2025August 15, 2025carlocarrasco

In preparation for emergency situations, the City Government of Las Piñas distributed first aid kits to the many child development centers around the city, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Mayor April Aguilar led the distribution.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

The city government of Las Piñas distributed first aid kits to all Child Development Centers (CDL) as part of emergency readiness and also as a proactive approach in protecting the city’s children in times of emergency.

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar led the distribution of emergency kits last August 12, at the fourth floor of the Mayor Nene Aguilar Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Building.

Aguilar said the distribution of first aid kits is a project of the DRRMO to keep the CDL ready and keep the children safe in any emergency that may occur. She said the first aid kit contains acetone, alcohol, band aids, blood pressure apparatus, burn ointment, plastic canister, cotton balls, elastic bandage, clean gauze, and others.

The mayor also distributed Certificates of Recognition to all daycare teachers after passing and graduating from basic life support and standard first aid.

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Parañaque Congressman Files Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers Proposal

August 23, 2025August 14, 2025carlocarrasco

In his latest move, Parañaque City 2^nd District Representative Brian Yamsuan filed a proposal in Congress that aims to help more than 230,000 barangay health workers nationwide in the forms of monthly honoraria, health, and educational benefits, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

Parañaque City 2nd district Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan is pursuing in the 20th Congress a measure that aims to provide over 230,000 barangay health workers (BHWs) nationwide with monthly honoraria and other forms of monetary, health, and educational benefits.

Yamsuan said he filed House Bill (HB) No.3215 for this purpose, in fulfillment of his promise to BHWs in the 2nd district, and in recognition of the indispensable role that they and their fellow barangay health workers play as community frontliners in the country’s healthcare system.

“Matagal na pong naghihintay ang ating mga barangay health workers, kasama ang 180 BHWs sa second district ng Parañaque, ng mga benepisyo at proteksyon na nararapat lamang na ipagkaloob sa kanila,” said the second-termer.

(Our barangay health workers, including the 180 BHWs in Parañaque’s 2nd district, have waited far too long for the benefits and protection that they truly deserve.)

“Bilang tugon sa kanilang panawagan, naghain po tayo muli sa Kongreso ng panukalang batas para sa Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers. Layunin po ng bill na sila ay makapagtrabaho nang may dignidad at may sapat na mga benepisyong angkop sa kanilang di-matatawarang kontribusyon sa pagpapalakas ng ating healthcare system,” he added.

(In response to their call, we have filed anew a bill in Congress which aims to establish a Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers. The bill’s goal is to ensure that they are able to work with dignity and with the benefits befitting their invaluable contributions in strengthening our healthcare system.)

Under HB No.3215, BHWs registered with the local health boards where they are assigned shall receive a monthly honoraria of not less than P3,000, while those who are accredited shall be entitled to honoraria of not less than P5,000 per month. Both rates are subject to adjustments based on the current consumer price index.

Accredited BHWs are also entitled to a cash gift of not less than their minimum monthly honoraria, to be given every December.

Yamsuan’s measure also provides accredited BHWs with transportation allowance of not less than P1,000 per month, and insurance coverage and benefits from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

BHWs exposed to risks to their health, life and other threats in the exercise of their responsibilities will receive a hazard allowance of not less than P1,000 per month under the bill. Those assigned in unserved or underserved barangays shall receive a subsistence allowance of not less than P100 per day.

For accredited BHWs who have continuously and satisfactorily served for at least 15 years, the bill provides for a one-time gratuity cash incentive of not less than P10,000 in recognition of their loyalty and dedication to service.

The bill also entitles accredited BHWs to training, continuing education and career enhancement programs, as well as free legal services in cases filed against them in connection with the performance of their duties.

Yamsuan’s measure also provides health benefits for BHWs, which include free medical care, mandatory and immediate Philhealth membership as indirect contributors, and emergency medical assistance not exceeding P5,000. They are also entitled to maternity, paternity, and solo parent leaves with pay under the bill.

For accredited BHWs who have rendered five years of continuous service, the bill proposes that they be granted second-grade civil service eligibility.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you like what Congressman Brian Yamsuan is doing with to help barangay health workers nationwide? How many members of your local community work as barangay health workers?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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A Look Back at Independence Day #0 (1996)

August 22, 2025August 17, 2025carlocarrasco

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book, watching the 1996 movie and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back science fiction enthusiasts, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1996 to take a close look at one of the licensed comic books Marvel Comics published which was part of the release of the movie Independence Day (also referred to as ID4).

Back in 1996, there was a considerable amount of hype and anticipation for Independence Day’s release in cinemas not just in America but also in other parts of the world. Following the success they achieved together in Stargate (1994), producer Dean Devlin and director Roland Emmerich teamed up again to make Independence Day which was back then the most modern cinematic portrayal of aliens invading Earth causing the people to fight back. The film creatively was also a disaster movie of its own backed with science fiction concepts and the latest special effects of the era. Independence Day went on to gross almost $820 million worldwide and I myself saw it in a fully packed cinema here in the Philippines.

As I saw the movie, I noticed details about events that took place sometime in the past and they were presented not as flashbacks but only as spoken words. There is that verbal reference about Jeff Goldblum’s character punching Bill Pullman’s character some time before the latter became US President. There are also spoken words about Randy Quaid’s character being previously abducted by aliens. As part of the marketing and publicity of the movie, Marvel Comics was licensed to publish not only a 2-part comic book adaptation but also a prequel comic book.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Independence Day #0, published in 1996 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Phil Crain (based on ideas by Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerih) and drawn by Terry Pallot, Steve Erwin, Rod Whigham and Gabriel Gecko.

Early story

The story begins on July 4, 1947 in Roswell, New Mexico. A thunderstorm took place in the evening compelling residents to stay inside their respective homes. As the storm went on, an unidentified flying object (UFO) of alien origin got struck by thunder causing it to crash on the field of someone’s property with a huge impact that disturbed local residents. The alien ship opens and one of its passengers (alien) ventures out into the stormy night. Injured and still in shock, the passenger slowly moves away from the ship.

The next evening, the property owner arrives and finds several pieces of debris of the crashed ship scattered on the field. He notices the metal are lighter than anything he touched, and he could see the writings were not man-made. The property owner informed the local sheriff of what he found which led to the American army sending troops to the field. The American military plane flies over them and finds the crashed alien ship.

Quality

When Whitmore was still a US Senator and candidate for US President, he got punched by David Levinson who thought that he was having an affair with his wife Constance “Connie” Spano. This later led to the “You punched the President,” line in the movie.

As described above, this prequel comic book visually dramatizes the past events that were only mentioned in the movie particularly with regards to the Roswell UFO incident as well as Area 51 and how the government handled findings about aliens from outer space. In fact, the story here was scripted to move from one significant event to the next through the decades, and the good news here is that the exposition is not too heavy (when compared to Jurassic Park comic books of 1993) and the pacing moved at a medium pace. The result is a reading experience that is intriguing and entertaining.

The creators really went all in with their fictional portrayal of the movie’s aliens being involved in Roswell and Area 51, and the notable thing is that they really took the presentation seriously. It’s as if they were trying to tell a factual story which smoothly connects with the movie.

When it comes to the characters from the movie, you will find them in this comic book depending on the stage of the narrative and the time setting. While the characters of Pullman, Goldblum, Robert Loggia, Will Smith, Brent Spiner, James Rebhorn, Viveca A. Fox and Margaret Colin are dramatized in the 1990s scenes, you will see the younger versions of a few of them set in the 1960s scenes. The abduction scene of Randy Quaid’s character is set in the 1980s.

As for the script written by Phil Crain, the narrative of this comic book surprisingly has a more serious and dramatic tone when compared to what was expressed in the movie. There were even a few horror elements and no comedic stuff at all. Again, this should not be surprising because this comic book was meant to dramatize past events to not only connect with the movie’s core concept but also show why certain characters acted the way they did in the film.

As this comic book involved multiple artists, it should not be a surprise that the result is of varying quality from one scene to another. In fairness, the illustrator (or illustrators) who drew the Area 51 scenes and the crashed alien ship did a good job with the details. As for the characters, pilot Steven Hiller resembled Will Smith enough, and the same can be said about Thomas Whitmore somewhat looking like Bill Pullman, David Levinson looking somewhat like Jeff Goldblum, and General Grey slightly looking like Robert Loggia. Meanwhile, Constance Pano resembled Margaret Colin more while the 1990s Dr. Okun resembled Brent Spiner in a few shots.

Conclusion

*The creators went all-in to make the 1947 Roswell UFO incident a history of Independence Day.*

To get straight to the point, Independence Day #0 (1996) succeeded with its main objective of establishing visually the past and emphasizing developments connecting with the blockbuster movie of 1996. It was made with a strong appeal to fans of Independence Day as well as people who simply are fond of UFOs and conspiracy theories regarding Roswell and Area 51. People who are not too interested in the movie and UFOs might not be impressed with this comic book. In my view, this prequel comic book has good enough qualities that make it worth reading and its serious narrative is both surprising and enjoyable. Ultimately, it is a worthy companion piece to the movie.

Overall, Independence Day #0 (1996) is recommended.

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